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Newly appointed Preston North End boss Will Carruthers stared upon what was to be his new home, sort of. The Deepdale, at the heart of Preston. After a less than impressive spell at Preston, Paul Simpson had decided it was time to jack it in. A bopld career move had seen him turn to finance, good luck to him. In all his years as an entrepeneur, he had never stumbled upon anything that resembled success. But by a miracle, he had been appointed manager of this once great football club. The only drawback was, he had no idea what to do. The nearest he had come to managing a football side was playing Championship Manager 01/02, and even then, he had managed to relegate his Manchester United side, complete with Beckham, Scholes et al. Still, he had been trusted with the job, and he was in no state to let this great opportunity slip.
My new contract began on the 1st July. I entered my chairmans office and was greeted by the warm handshake of Derek Shaw. The seasons aims were outlined briefly, I were expected to win promption from the Championship this season. I was, however, disappointed to find I had only £2.6 million to do this. Proceedings were concluded, and I was taken down to meet the lads.
Despite his below par league positions, Simpson had managed to build up a decent squad, and I assured myself that, given a few decent signings, this team could compete in the Premiership. This was the squad:
GK Andrew Lonergan - Back-up to Wayne, Andrew would be given his chances in the cups.
GK Andrew Murphy - Surplus, released.
GK Chris Neal - To be let out on loan.
GK Wayne Henderson - Would be my number one keeper, for this season at least.
DF Billy Jones - Very much a utility man, will probably feature in a holding midfield role.
DF Matthew Hill - First choice left back, capable going forward, and a very good defender.
DF Dylan Adams - Released, not enough potential.
DF Liam Chilvers - Will rotate with St Ledger for the second centre back spot.
DF Youl Mawene - Relative veteran in a young back line, will play a leading role in marshalling the defense.
DF Callum Davidson - Would play second fiddle to Hill, but will be offered around.
DF Sean St Ledger - Promising young Irishman, will rotate with Chilvers.
MF Darren Carter - Young, recruited from West Brom recently, loads of potential and class in the centre. Can play on the left as well.
MF Simon Whaley - Decent young winger, will be loaned if possible, with better options available.
MF Paul McKenna (captain) - Sure to play a starring role, dictating from the middle.
MF Joe Anyinsah - Decent young winger, great pace on the flanks.
MF Danny Pugh - Great left winger, sure to be a great force this term.
MF Chris Sedgwick - Has interest from other clubs, will be sold if decent offer comes in.
MF Kevin Nicholls - Older member of the midfield, lost some of his bite. Will be kept as cover, but allowed t leave for the right price.
MF Adam Nowland - Young creative midfielder, several clubs interested, will not be held back.
MF Lewis Neal - Pacy winger, not filled potential, will not be kept.
MF Jason Jarrett - Decent back-up, will be sold if the right bid comes in.
FW Brett Ormerod - Ageing striker, will be offered around.
FW Paul Gallagher (on loan from Blackburn Rovers) - Great prospect, will play on the right wing.
FW Andrew Carroll (on loan from Newcastle United) - Suberb target man, will complement smaller striker well.
FW Patrick Agyemang - Powerful striker, no real class and will be leaving the club over summer.
FW Neil Mellor - Classy former 'Pool striker, will chip in a few from the bench.
FW Chris McGrail - No future.
FW Karl Hawley - Good signing over the summer, will partner Carroll.
Soon enough, our first friendly was upon us, at home to German big boys Schalke 04. Before this, there was some transfer news. Chris Neal, Dylan Adams and Andrew Murphy, and due to his slating of my managing, Joe Anyinsah also got the boot. Chris Sedgwick and Brett Ormerod followed them out the next day, leaving to Hull and Plymouth respectively. Coming through the other way though was Man Utd bright spark, Frazier Cambell.
Despite the Schalke match being only a friendly, I was quite nervous, this was my first game in charge. It didnt go all too well. We went 1-0 down in the 8th minute thanks to Kevin Kuranyi, and were under the cosh for much of the remainder of the match. Still, these were no mugs, they were top class oposition.
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Preston North End - Back to the top. 
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